A Smarter, Safer Way to Dive

Benjamin Hadfield   Nov 10, 2025

Safety Starts Here: Why Every Diver Should Take a Rescue Class with Stuart Scuba

A Smarter, Safer Way to Dive

Scuba diving gives us access to an incredible world — one few people will ever experience. But with that privilege comes responsibility — not only for your own safety but for the safety of your dive buddy and others in the water.

That’s why every diver, no matter how experienced, should take a Rescue Diver course and First Response Training International (FRTI) classes, including First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Provider. These are the skills that turn good divers into great divers — the ones who stay calm, act confidently, and can make a difference when seconds matter.

“A Rescue Diver is a very capable buddy and exactly what you hope for,” says Benjamin Hadfield, Instructor Trainer and Managing Partner of Stuart Scuba. “This course isn’t just about learning rescues — it’s about developing awareness, preparedness, and confidence that changes the way you dive. The best way to solve a proglem, is to not have it in the first place. The second way, is to be fully prepared for it”

The Stuart Scuba Difference

At Stuart Scuba, safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our Rescue Diver course goes beyond the basics — combining realistic scenarios, teamwork, and stress management to teach divers how to handle both minor and major emergencies.

And because knowledge fades over time, we also encourage all divers to refresh their FRTI First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Provider certifications every two years.

“These are life-saving skills,” explains Nikki Hadfield, Instructor and Partner at Stuart Scuba. “When an emergency happens — underwater or topside — muscle memory takes over. That’s why staying current is so important. Every refresher makes you sharper and more confident.”

Real Divers. Real Stories. Real Impact.

Dave’s Dockside Emergency

After surfacing from a dive, Dave’s buddy complained of chest tightness and collapsed on the dock. Thanks to his Rescue Diver and FRTI Oxygen Provider training, Dave quickly recognized the signs of decompression illness, called for help, and began administering oxygen.
By the time paramedics arrived, the diver’s condition had stabilized — a critical difference made possible by immediate action.

“I’d done that drill in class over and over,” Dave later shared. “I didn’t have to think — I just knew what to do. Without that training, it could have gone very differently.”

Alyssa’s CPR Save

Alyssa wasn’t diving when her skills were tested — she was at a marina when someone suffered a cardiac arrest. She performed CPR until emergency crews arrived, helping save the person’s life.

“That training gave me the confidence to act instead of freeze,” Alyssa said. “It was empowering to know I could actually make a difference.”

Ramon’s Calm Under Pressure

During a drift dive, one diver began to panic and bolt for the surface. Ramon, who had just completed his Rescue Diver certification, responded exactly as trained — approaching safely, controlling the ascent, and keeping his buddy calm at the surface.

“Once you’ve gone through the Rescue course, you start to see potential problems before they happen,” says Benjamin Hadfield. “That awareness alone can prevent most emergencies from ever occurring.”

Training for Real Readiness

At Stuart Scuba, we take pride in providing professional, realistic instruction — not just “checklist courses.” We don’t sell certifications.

“We charge to teach,” Nikki explains. “Our goal is for every student to truly learn and be confident in their skills. The certification only comes when a diver meets or exceeds the agency’s standards — never before.”

That’s why every class we teach, from Advanced Open Water to Rescue Diver to Tri-Mix, is built around the same philosophy: learn deeply, practice often, and earn it honestly.

Our instructors create an environment that’s supportive, challenging, and focused on skill mastery — ensuring that every diver who earns a card truly deserves it.

Refresh and Repeat — Staying Sharp

Just like First Aid and CPR, Rescue Diver training benefits from regular refreshers. While not required, retaking the course every two to three years helps divers stay confident and ready. Skills like managing a panicked diver, handling an unconscious diver at the surface, or providing emergency oxygen require hands-on repetition.

“It’s one thing to learn these skills once — it’s another to know you can perform them under pressure years later,” Benjamin notes. “That’s why we encourage divers to come back, refresh, and stay sharp. It’s part of being a responsible diver.”

Safety Tips from Stuart Scuba

Here are a few timeless reminders from our team:

• Always dive within your training and certification limits. Pushing past your qualifications increases your risk and can invalidate insurance coverage.

• Practice your skills regularly. Even five minutes reviewing basic safety drills before a dive makes a difference.

• Stay physically fit to dive. Hydration, rest, and overall fitness impact your performance and safety.

• Dive with trusted buddies. Communication and teamwork prevent most emergencies before they start.

• Keep learning. The more you know, the safer you are — and the more fun you’ll have.

“Every dive is a learning opportunity,” says Nikki. “The day we stop learning is the day we stop growing as divers.”

Why It All Matters

Rescue Diver and FRTI training aren’t just certifications — they’re life skills. They empower divers to protect themselves, their buddies, and even strangers in need.

When you combine that training with Stuart Scuba’s world-class instruction and commitment to genuine learning, you don’t just become a better diver — you become a safer, more confident one.

“At the end of the day,” Benjamin concludes, “our goal is simple: make sure every diver we train comes home safely. That’s what real success looks like.”

Train hard. Dive safe. Stay ready.
Join the next Rescue Diver and FRTI training at Stuart Scuba — where safety, skill, and confidence come standard.